Work Calculator (W = Fd)Free online science calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Calculate work done by a force over a distance.
About the Work Calculator (W = Fd)
The Work Calculator (W = Fd) calculates the work done by a constant force acting parallel to an object's motion. Enter force in newtons and distance in meters to obtain work in joules. With the default force of 100 N and distance of 10 m, the calculator gives 1,000 J.
- Force (N)
- The constant force acting in the direction of motion, measured in newtons (N), with a default value of 100.
- Distance (m)
- The distance moved along the force's direction, measured in meters (m), with a default value of 10.
Formula and method
W = F × d
- WWork done by the force, measured in joules (J).
- FConstant force parallel to and in the same direction as motion, measured in newtons (N).
- dDistance moved in the direction of the force, measured in meters (m).
Multiply the force by the distance: W = F × d. For the default inputs, W = 100 N × 10 m = 1,000 N·m = 1,000 J, since one newton-meter of work equals one joule.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Force100 N
- Distance10 m
Results
- Work1,000 J
- FormulaW = F × d (force parallel to motion)
How to use the Work Calculator (W = Fd)
- 1Check that the force is constant and acts in the same direction as the object's motion.
- 2Enter the force in Force (N); the default is 100 N.
- 3Enter the distance in Distance (m); the default is 10 m.
- 4Read the work result in joules: the default inputs produce 1,000 J.
- 5Review the formula row to confirm that the calculation uses W = F × d, with force parallel to motion.
Reading your result
The Work row reports the energy transferred by the specified force over the entered distance, in joules; the default result is 1,000 J. The Formula row displays W = F × d (force parallel to motion), identifying the relationship and directional assumption used. This is work done by the entered force, not necessarily the net work done by all forces on the object.
Limitations
This tool assumes a constant force acting in the same direction as motion along the entered distance. It has no angle input: for a force at an angle θ to displacement, the general formula is W = Fd cos θ. Opposing forces do negative work, which should not be interpreted as positive work from an unsigned force entry. A varying force requires integration over displacement rather than simple multiplication. The result does not determine power, elapsed time, or total work from other forces.
Common questions
Why do 100 N and 10 m give 1,000 J?+
The calculator multiplies force by distance: 100 × 10 = 1,000. The units are N·m, equivalent to joules for work.
Can I use this calculator when the force acts at an angle?+
Not directly with the full force magnitude, because this tool has no angle input. Use the force component along the motion, F cos θ, or use a calculator that evaluates W = Fd cos θ.
What does the calculator return if the object does not move?+
A distance of zero gives zero joules, regardless of the entered force. Holding an object stationary can require bodily effort, but the holding force does no mechanical work on the stationary object.
Is the work result the same as the object's change in kinetic energy?+
Only if the entered force represents the net force along the motion under this tool's assumptions. The work–energy theorem relates net work from all forces to the change in kinetic energy, not necessarily the work of a single force.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.